The Old Grey Whistle Test
The Old Grey Whistle Test is an influential BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It took over the BBC2 late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970, while continuing to feature non-chart music. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers. According to presenter Bob Harris, the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase from years before. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys—doormen in grey suits. The songs they could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test.
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Season 4
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1
E1
Arlo Guthrie / Loudon Wainwright III / Richard Digance / Planxty
From Cambridge Folk Festival Arlo Guthrie: Gamblin’ Man / The Motor Cycle Song / Don't Think Twice It’s Alright Loudon Wainwright III: Guru / I Am The Way Richard Digance: Working Class Millionaire Planxty: The Blacksmith
Sep 24, 1974 -
2
E2
Wally / The Rolling Stones
Wally: Sunday Walking Lady / The Martyr The Rolling Stones: Ain't Too Proud To Beg (film) Keith Richards: interview
Oct 1, 1974 -
3
E3
Episode 3
Oct 8, 1974 -
4
E4
Episode 4
Oct 15, 1974 -
5
E5
Episode 5
Oct 22, 1974 -
6
E6
Episode 6
Oct 29, 1974 -
7
E7
Episode 7
Nov 5, 1974 -
8
E8
Episode 8
Nov 12, 1974 -
9
E9
Episode 9
Nov 19, 1974 -
10
E10
Episode 10
Nov 26, 1974 -
11
E11
Episode 11
Dec 3, 1974 -
12
E12
Elton John Christmas Concert
Bob Harris introduces a concert by superstar Elton John, recorded live at the Hammersmith Odeon. White Christmas / Grimsby (Unbroadcast) / Rocket Man / Goodbye Yellow Brick Road / Daniel / Grey Seal / Bennie & the Jets / Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds / I Saw Her Standing There / Don’t Let the Sun go Down on Me / Honky Cat / Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting / Crocodile Rock / The Bitch is Back / Your Song
Dec 24, 1974 -
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E13
Ace / Leo Sayer / Doobie Brothers / Van Morrison
Dec 31, 1974 -
14
E14
Episode 14
Jan 10, 1975 -
15
E15
Episode 15
Jan 17, 1975 -
16
E16
Episode 16
Jan 24, 1975 -
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E17
Episode 17
Jan 31, 1975 -
18
E18
Episode 18
Feb 7, 1975 -
19
E19
Episode 19
Feb 13, 1975 -
20
E20
Episode 20
Feb 21, 1975 · 50m -
21
E21
Episode 21
Feb 28, 1975 -
22
E22
Episode 22
Mar 7, 1975 -
23
E23
Dr. Feelgood
Mar 14, 1975 -
24
E24
Nutz
Mar 21, 1975 -
25
E25
Billy Cobham
Mar 28, 1975 -
26
E26
Episode 26
Apr 4, 1975 -
27
E27
Episode 27
Apr 11, 1975 -
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E28
Episode 28
Apr 18, 1975 -
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E29
Judas Priest
Apr 25, 1975 -
30
E30
Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show
May 2, 1975 -
31
E31
David Gates / Seals & Croft
May 9, 1975 -
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E32
Episode 32
May 16, 1975 -
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E33
Episode 33
May 23, 1975 -
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E34
Episode 34
May 30, 1975 -
35
E35
‘Jack Bruce Band’ Special
Can you Follow / Morning Story / Keep it Down / Pieces of Mind / One / Spirit (instrumental) / Without a Word / Smiles and Grins
Jun 3, 1975 -
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E36
Episode 36
Jun 14, 1975 -
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E37
Episode 37
Jun 21, 1975 -
38
E38
Episode 38
Jun 28, 1975 -
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E39
Episode 39
Jul 5, 1975 -
40
E40
Moonrider / John Dawson Band
Jul 12, 1975 -
41
E41
Episode 41
Jul 19, 1975 -
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E42
‘Yes’ in Concert
Yes at QPR Long Distance Runaround / The Clap / And you and I / Ritual / Runaround / Sweet Dreams
Jul 22, 1975